Three companies take steps to improve Spanish fibre network

Three European telecoms giants have embraced a spirit of collaboration in an effort to expand Spain's fibre optic network in homes and business premises. Telefónica, Vodafone and Orange have signed an agreement to share vertical fibre optic infrastructures in buildings across the country. The tripartite agreement details the types of buildings in which vertical infrastructures will be shared and the technical procedures that will make this possible. The three operators will specify the cities, areas and buildings in which they want to roll-out optical fibre; the agreement also includes the option to transfer existing undertakings or for each company to build its own. All three operators can use its rivals’ vertical roll-outs wherever they need them. After signing the agreement, the infrastructure that Telefónica has already rolled out can gradually be used by Vodafone and Orange. In return, when the other two operators roll-out new infrastructures where Telefónica does not have coverage, it can also ask to share its rivals’ vertical infrastructures. Vertical infrastructures in buildings will be shared through a single payment for each individual project, which will give the operator the right to use it for no less than 20 years. The prices that will govern this use will be set, via resolution, by the Spanish Telecommunications Market Commission.